I have some TRP CX 8.4s on my cross race bike, with 34 mm tires and SRAM Red levers. Very nice brakes. The pull on Red levers is very, very smooth. Not cheap though.
I have some basic Tektro levers and Vs (like 95 mm long or so) on my commuter. This set-up has the snappiest pull/return I've experienced and great stopping power. Not sure what it is about this set-up, but it's nice.
Question related to this thread: I used Kool Stop dual compound pads on my commuter, the thin/longer ones with a cartridge holder. These pads seem to wear incredibly fast, like a few months. I commute around 25 km/day five days a week, some wet days, no mud, 3-4 snow days a year. I do also run my dogs to a field by bike, which includes a steep but short hill. But I'm only getting a few months out of the pads before they're worn.
I'm confused. I've had Kool Stop pads on one of my road bikes for 5+ years, TONS of kms and they look new. Do V-brakes tend to wear pads faster than caliper brakes?